Nice to see that some hunters were successful during this years’ hunt, however that was definitely not the outcome for everyone.
A few years ago I wrote an article in the wake of that years’ hunt and this year had some striking similarities.
The completion of the hunt in 2017 sent up some “Red Flags” so I decided to do some research into possible explanations for the decrease in whitetail numbers.
The results of this study, although predictable can be found in this article.
Not sure if these rationalizations are part of a cycle or if they could end up ultimately depleting the herd to a point where the annual “Deer Hunt” in this area could become just a memory.
There is one noticeable difference this year which I don’t recall as prevalent from the past few years. This is going to be the focus of my next investigation, as I do believe there is definitely a relationship with this phenomenon.
Although the factors I speak about in the article are still predominant there is one consideration that I believe is becoming more relevant which is not included.
I did not include this to the list of explanations after the 2017 hunt because I believe it was just in the beginning stages of its relevancy and the effects were not yet significant.
Over the past few years, the number of adult validation tags for moose has been noticeably reduced in the WMU we hunt in (41).
This past fall I came across more moose sign than I’ve seen in many years. It is obvious to me that the reduction in tags in the last few years has definitely facilitated an increase in the local population.
My belief is that there is a direct correlation between the moose and the deer population. In that, I mean that when one species is prospering in a given area the other is usually on the decline. This statement is my own personal belief but it does seem that my hypothesis, in this case, may have some merit.
With this in mind, I have now my next research project.
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